Microscopic morphology

Hyphae are septate and hyaline. Conidiophores terminate in groups of 2 to 4 annellophores in a scopula (broomlike structure, similar to a penicillus in the genus Penicillium) [2202]. Annellated zones on the annellides measure approximate 2.5 — 3.5 µm wide. Annelloconidia are globose to ovoid, measure 5-9 x 5-7 µm, have a distinctly truncate base, and are finely to coarsely roughened at maturity. The teleomorph is Microascus brevicaulis. Ascomata are black, spherical, and ostiolate with short necks measuring 80-150 x 70-130 µm. Ascospores are kidney-shaped, 5-6 x 3.5-4.5 µm, smooth, and reddish-brown in mass [de Hoog, Guarro et al. 2000], [1584].

Special notes

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is an agent of onychomycosis [479], [531], [2248], and of opportunistic disease in immunocompromised patients [62], [66]. It has also been reported as the etiologic agent in a plantar infection [841], and in granulomatous skin disease [329]. Invasive manifestations include two cases of endocarditis associated with prosthetic valves [823], [1534], fungal keratitis [1372], [560], and posttraumatic fungal endophthalmitis [809].